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Modojo Rewind: A Song Of Android And Oreo

Your weekly roundup of the biggest stories in mobile and portable gaming, courtesy of Modojo.

The stars aligned on Modojo this week, providing a brief respite from the drive to guide and pointing us instead toward a deluge of news catering to the handheld gaming realm. While a large portion of the US population was busy staring skyward during this year's solar eclipse, Google decided to use the opportunity to formally reveal the latest version of its Android operating system. And, once the skies cleared and normality was restored, players were given a fresh look at three separate mobile and portable remakes of big-name titles of yesteryear.

These stories and more follow, so steel your resolve, knights and nobles: it's time for the Modojo Rewind.

Eclipticum Gatherum

It seemed as if most of the nation came to a stop this past Monday as a total solar eclipse passed right through the central United States. For many people, this was an opportunity to check out one of the more rare celestial events of our time, to say nothing of the potential once-in-a-lifetime chance of observing an eclipse from the path of totality. For Google, however, it was a chance to make a proper reveal of Android 8.0, the operating system release the company has dubbed Android Oreo.

Android Oreo is set to include a number of new features, most notably including enhanced mutlitasking options, a picture-in-picture mode, and a comprehensively-redesigned set of emoji. For a better look at what Google's latest mobile operating system will bring to the table, check out our guide on what to expect from Android Oreo.

Oreo wasn't the only story to hit the mobile scene this week: Samsung has unveiled the full specs that will be packed into the Galaxy Note 8, the company's latest and largest flagship phone. The highlights include a massive 6.3-inch screen and a potent dual-camera setup, and interested buyers can check out our guide on everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

Curiously, the reveal of the Note 8 came across just shortly after Samsung hit headlines for the Galaxy Note 4. Apparently, some Note 4 devices that were refurbished through AT&T and shipped by FedEx had faulty batteries installed that pose a risk of overheating. Looking to avoid another exploding phone scandal, the company quickly put out a press release explaining the potential hazard and urging customers to contact FedEx for battery replacements.

Bigger, Better, Faster, Newer

The gaming news this week has been fairly exciting, especially for mobile and handheld gamers with a taste for classic electronic entertainment. Nintendo is moving ever closer to the September 15 release of Metroid: Samus Returns, the modern reimagining of 1991 Game Boy hit Metroid 2: Return of Samus. The game is slated to include a number of new features and enhancements, and as always, players can hit up Modojo to learn everything we know about Metroid: Samus Returns.

Square Enix has a couple of new remakes on the horizon as well: the company recently announced the upcoming release of Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition, a game that can only be described as a mobile-oriented remake of Final Fantasy XV. FFXV Pocket Edition is slated to feature the same characters and same story as players would find in the full console releases of the game; beyond that, the game will present the tale using cutesy chibi-style graphics and simplified controls better-suited to mobile phones.

Lastly, Square Enix has also revealed that it's currently working on a remake of Secret of Mana, one of the most popular RPGs of the Super NES era. Much like with Samus Returns, the Secret of Mana remake will overhaul the game to present a familiar story in a new way. The remake will include 3D graphics, a reworked soundtrack, full voice acting, and more. And, even better, it's coming to the PlayStation Vita, though most players are likely to pick it up for Steam PC or PlayStation 4.

Don't miss out on the biggest gaming stories; stay on top of the mobile and portable gaming kingdom by keeping your browser tuned to Modojo.

Kevin Tucker

Contributing Editor

Kevin Tucker is a long-time gamer and writer with an eye for technological news and a drive for extensive research. When he's not off exploring virtual worlds, he spends his time working on motorcycles, reading science fiction, and playing electric bass.